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A drug addict who broke into his ex-girlfriend’s house to steal a TV and her teenage son’s piggy bank was jailed for 12 months.

Howard McKay, 43, dropped the 40-inch flat screen after he was chased by the boy and fell over in Bebington Road, New Ferry.

Liverpool Crown Court heard how McKay, of Oriel Road, Birkenhead, was in an “on and off” relationship with the woman for around five years and they had two young children together.

Derek Jones, prosecuting, said they split up in the first week of July this year and he moved out of her home.

On July 12 the victim went to see a friend for the day, while her two youngest children stayed with relatives.

When she returned home at around 8.30pm, she saw the defendant stood in her house.

Mr Jones said: “Clearly he had no right to be there. She shouted ‘get out’ and banged on the window.”

The 13-year-old boy saw McKay carrying the TV out of the back door and chased after him.

The defendant fell over, cracking the base of the TV, which was recovered.

'It’s my money and my TV'

The woman found McKay had smashed a kitchen window to get into the house and took £30 from her son’s money box in his bedroom.

When McKay was arrested at around 4am the next day he told police “it’s my money and my TV”.

However, McKay, with short brown hair and wearing a black polo shirt in court, admitted burglary.

Judge Norman Wright said he had an “appalling” record of previous convictions.

He said this included a “huge” number of thefts, shoplifting, dishonesty and drug charges.

In 2003 McKay burgled a home and in 2012 he was jailed for 30 months for trying to take drugs into prison.

'The only way for him to remain drug free is for a further period in custody'

Paul Davison, defending, said his client had apologised to his ex-girlfriend.

He said: “He accepts unfortunately he got himself involved in drugs once again prior to this incident.

“He feels the only way for him to remain drug free is for a further period in custody to allow him to get the treatment he requires.”

Judge Wright said burglaries were serious offences not only because of the sentimental or financial value of goods stolen but also because “someone’s home has been invaded”, causing psychological trauma to the victims.

He said: “It was a mean and despicable offence against your former partner and will have been all the more hurtful because of who you were.

“She may have felt unsafe and afraid of you because you were someone who felt you could force your way into her home and take whatever property you wanted.”